In an interview with NBC News, US President Donald Trump stated that Iran is seeking to conclude an agreement with the United States, but he believes that the time is not right to complete the deal now, considering that the conditions offered are “not good enough yet.”
Trump pointed out that the attacks targeting the Iranian island of Kharg led to “the destruction of most of the island,” hinting at the possibility of launching more attacks on it in the future. The island is a major hub for Iranian oil exports, making it a strategic target in any conflict over energy supplies.
Trump also touched on information indicating that the new Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei “may not be alive,” adding: “I hear that Mojtaba Khamenei is no longer alive, and if he is indeed alive, he must do something very smart for the sake of his country, which is to surrender.” Trump did not provide additional details about the nature or source of this information.
Regarding developments in the Gulf, Trump said that “it is not clear whether Iran has planted mines in the Strait of Hormuz,” the vital waterway through which a large percentage of global oil exports pass.
Trump’s statements come in light of a noticeable escalation in tension with Iran, with the continuation of military operations and the escalation of mutual threats between Washington and Tehran, in light of the faltering diplomatic efforts aimed at stopping the confrontation that began about two weeks ago.
On the other hand, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi had warned that his country would target American companies in the region, or companies in which the United States has shares, if Iranian energy facilities were subjected to any attack by the United States or Israel.
In statements to Iranian state television, Araqchi said that Iran “will move cautiously to ensure that densely populated areas are not targeted,” stressing at the same time that any attack on its oil facilities will be met with a “direct response.”
International concerns are increasing about the expansion of the conflict in the Gulf region and the Middle East, especially as the conflict is linked to sensitive issues including global energy security and shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The possibility of targeting oil infrastructure or international companies operating in the region also raises concerns about global market disruption and higher oil prices if the military escalation continues.
